Consumers are always looking for beautiful aesthetic features in a product, and when buying a watch, the rule doesn’t change. Orient has taken care of the “looks” aspect of their products with stunning attributes and design (see past reviews), but they have also gone beyond their competitors in functionality for the price. Orient’s ‘Blue Mako’ is a great example of enhancing functionality without breaking the bank.

Diver watches have been flooding the current watch market. Some of the most popular companies, for example, Casio, Citizen, and Invicta, have all set out a line of diver watches in the market that can reach up to 300m (990 feet) in water resistance depth. The Japanese automatic watch company, Orient, has also put out a line of diver watches that matches their competitors. The CFD0C001M is at the top of the line that can be purchased for a little over $1,200 on Amazon.com. The CFD0C001M looks great and is very functional for the extreme water-bound scuba divers with a water resistance depth of 984 feet. But let’s face it, we can’t all afford such a nice watch without emptying out our bank accounts, especially in the current economy!

Orient’s CFD0C001M

Luckily for the average American looking for a water resistant watch, there is hope. The ‘Blue Mako’ model by Orient is an affordable diver watch that has a water resistance depth of 200m (660 feet) available on Amazon.com for $132.81. Now, one might think that 200m water resistance depth is a large drop-off from the 300m (990 feet), but for the difference in cost, the consumer is really getting their money’s worth. Let me prove it to all the skeptics out there by showing a comparison to similar diver watches on the market.

The Casio ‘Sea Pathfinder Tide Watch’ is listed for $127.00 on Amazon.com – comparable price to the ‘Blue Mako’. First off, there is a great difference in aesthetics. The Casio model has a digital face with a more “sporty” looking design whereas the Orient model has a more traditional face with a luxury design. Relative to the buyer’s taste, the design is a toss-up. However, the Orient model offers better functionality in water resistance depth.

As mentioned earlier, the ‘Blue Mako’ delivers water resistance up to 200m (660 feet), but the ‘Sea Pathfinder Tide Watch’ only offers water resistance up to 100m (330 feet). This fact might not make a difference to some who don’t spend a lot of time in the water or who remain in shallow bodies of water. On the other hand, the constant water-bound and snorklers may want to protect their investment and go with a watch design that is going to keep water from ruining their watch for about the same price.

Orient’s ‘Blue Mako’ and Casio’s ‘Sea Pathfinder Tide Watch’

Besides the Casio, the Orient ‘Blue Mako’ also beats out Invicta’s ‘Pro Diver Stainless Steel’ – the 11th Best Seller watch on Amazon.com – in water resistance depth. Semi-comparable in aesthetic design to the ‘Blue Mako’, the Invicta only reaches 100m (330 feet) in water resistance depth, like the Casio, rather than the 200m (660 feet) Orient watch. Although the Invicta is a lower price selling for $49.99 on Amazon.com, the Orient may still be a better investment for swimmers without going over an unreasonable pricetag.

Invicta’s ‘Pro Diver Stainless Steel’

Overall, the Orient ‘Blue Mako’ is a wise investment because of its functionality in comparison to other diver watches out on the market. With its affordability, one can have a luxury watch, even in the struggling economic times.

7 Comments |
Tell us what you think!

Personally, I am not a fan of the hugely popular Seiko Monster divers. I do know they are very good watches for their purpose but I am not in love with the looks. The Mako is a watch that you can comfortably wear to the office and at the same time in your favorite weekend activities. In both instances, the watch won’t look out of place.

The accuracy of the in-house Orient 21 jewel movement is something to be admired in a watch of this price. The fit/finish, exquisite details (Signed screwdown crown, screwdown day pusher button, machined clasp) and superb functionality, clearly put the Mako head and shoulders above the sea of “affordable” divers.

If you are new to the world of mechanical watches (and diver pieces), I can’t think of a better introduction than the always affordable and always solid/dependable Orient Mako.

yes, you can count me in as an Orient watch fan. I got the orange mako, the black mako, and the blue mako with the pepsi bezel. all the three have rubber strap on them, and light on wrist. They are perfect for summer or any other seasons. Also got a dressier Orient watch with brown leather band and white face, quite a looker that watch. I will wait for good deals, and purchase the orange/black/blue mako with stainless steel.

Hi,
I purchased a Black Mako and then decide that I wanted a Blue Mako. Now I am frustrated. I can’t decide which one I like best. It looks too stupid to wear one on each arm, so I have to keep switching off. Maybe I will settle on one of them at some point. I think I may be leaning toward the Black Mako… but then again, I really do like my Blue Mako.

Invicta’s lineups are all a bit too gaudy…but comparing it to the Casio is tough, the Casio has a lot more functionality despite the lower water resistance. I never go for digi watches, the choice is Orient despite the lesser # of functions just for style reasons.

To compare the Mako to that Invicta, even in terms of price, is laughable. Anything you pay over the price of the Invicta goes directly towards better customer service and superior watch in fit and finish!

I own an orange Mako, and it is equally at home in the office, in the field, and all weekend. It’s dependable, handsome, and would outscore the aforementioned Casio and Invicta ANY day in my book.

Thank you Orient for continuing to supply us with an affordable watch that feels like it should cost twice it’s price!

I was hunting for a good rugged watch after losing my Zodiac in a golf course. I am an occasion diver and like a 200m diver watch that looks good on and off the water. Having looked at the Citizen and Seiko, I settled on the Orient blue Mako. It is extremely well made for the price and have an evergreen style that can function as an all rounder in office, in a formal ball as well as in the Marina trench. I also did extensive research on the internet, Orient was selected by the US self Defense force, that is a testimony of durability. Just like Don, my frustration is Blue or Black!!